Managership?? or Leaderment??

The need for leadership in our society can be observed in the ever increasing number of books written on the subject. The major book stores in my area of the country have entire sections for leadership and management. The number of leadership journal articles and research studies has exploded in recent years. Pragmatic leadership, however, seems to be stalled behind the paradigms of the traditional autocratic model. The macho, ego-driven leadership image of the effective boss has stunted the growth of companies and organizations. Potential leaders are often stifled; some creative ideas never see the light of the board room; and loyal followers sometimes leave the fold because leadership has failed to be effective.

Part of the leadership dilemma might be found in the confusion of leadership and management. Both roles are absolutely essential to the growth and health of an organization. But if the roles are misunderstand or switched, a company can find itself in the midst of confusion and chaos. If the major leader of an organization is primarily a manager, the company may hum like a fine-tuned engine, but the business will function in neutral most of the time. On the other hand, if the managers in the company are wired to be leaders, there may be mountains of creative ideas, but no one is putting any of them into action.

A leader focuses on dreams and sees the big picture.
A manager likes to interpret dreams and sees every detail.

A leader thinks in terms of ideas and creative options.
A manager thinks in terms of the practical applications and ramifications of ideas.

A leader prays for clarity of vision.
A manager prays for a smooth execution of reality.

A leader reflects on what can and what will be and pushes forward.
A manager reflects on how to accomplish tasks in the present and wants to put down roots.

A leader loves to evaluate and reflect on progress.
A manager loves to provide feedback and statistics.

A leader enjoys listening.
A manager enjoys updating.

A leader sets, directs, and corrects the course.
A manager steers the ship.

A leader is an architect who draws the blueprints.
A manager is the project foreman who builds from the blueprint.

A leader is the eye who finds the path
A manager is hand/foot/muscle that blazes the trail

A leader is the screen writer, seeing the movie before it has been filmed.
A manager is the director that puts the movie on film.

What a messed-up organization if the leader cannot see, cannot draw, and cannot dream. What a messed-up organization with managers that cannot build, cannot steer, and cannot interpret. A healthy organization needs both leaders and managers, but the company needs to be sure to have each sitting at the right desk.

Its not about power, authority, or position. Its about the wiring. We are wired differently to accomplish different things. One set of wiring is no more important than the other. There are many frustrated leaders that have been given managerial responsibilities. As well, there are many managers that have been promoted to leadership positions and find themselves ineffective in life. How are you wired? What kind of position do you hold? Are you connected with the light shinning brightly or are you short-circuited with only a spark now and then?